Lux Row label Ezra Brooks bourbon whiskey is value in a bottle.
The Ezra Brooks bourbon whiskey brand was created by Frank Silverman, then bottled at at Hoffman Distilling Company in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Some taters are jumping on the Ezra 99 proof bandwagon today, however the brand was actually established around 1957 and joined the Hoffman distillery by 1966. Labeled as, “Kentucky’s Finest Little Distillery,” Ben, William and Robert Ripy’s distillery was a rather small whiskey operation with only 300 bushels per day of capacity.
As a real person, “Ezra Brooks” did not exist, he was created by marketing department professionals. By 1979, the Medley Distilling Company acquired the Ezra Brooks brand. This shifted production to Owensboro, Kentucky at the Medley Distillery. Their new acquisition would become the company’s flagship brand.
However, in 1988 Glenmore Distilleries would acquire the Medley Distillery and the bourbon brands in their portfolio. Ezra Brooks would maintain its flagship status under the new parent company, winning a gold medal at the International Spirits Competition in London, England in 1989.
Fast-forward to 1991, when United Distillers would acquire Glenmore Distilleries. At this point, the brand would somewhat get lost in the shuffle, competing against many other bourbons within the company’s huge portfolio of bourbon offerings.
Then in 1992, things would start to come full circle as United Distillers sold many of their brands to Heaven Hill in Bardstown, Kentucky. Heaven Hill established a deal to sell the Ezra Brooks brand to the folks behind Luxco. With that deal, they agreed to produce barrels of bourbon to support that brand.
As things evolved however, that agreement would become more challenging to maintain. In 2016, Lux Row Distillers was built on the opposite side of Bardstown, KY. Ezra Brooks, along with the other bourbon brands owned by Luxco, would now be produced at their new distillery. Although Blood Oath is not solely distilled by Lux Row per se, the parent company which is now owned by MGP now has a home in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”
SEE ALSO: Blood Oath Pact 7 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price & Review
Vintage Decanters
During the 1970s in the 80s the bourbon industry took a downturn as a whole. Every year it seemed like bourbon brands were losing market share to clear spirits like vodka and tequila. Therefore, many brands released ceramic figure decanters to bolster sales. What are the values of these you might ask? The vintage decanter of values could vary in price, especially if you have some old dusties that have yet to be cracked opened. Nonetheless, you can find various Ezra Brooks decanters ranging from an elk, gamecock, jayhawk, or race cars to grandfather clocks. The heritage china 1969 decanter and American Legion versions are also some that you’ll find on collectible price guides.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is now The Bourbon Festival
Bourbon Whiskey Releases
List of Expressions
Ezra Brooks Distiller’s Collection
The Ezra Brooks Distiller’s Collection is basically a single barrel select program from Lux Row Distillers. If you checked their website and didn’t see the offering available, that’s because it’s offered as a barrel pick. The programs are gaining popularity with liquor stores and bourbon groups alike. You sometimes see this cask strength bourbon ranging from 107 to 120 proof.
Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream
This version of bourbon cream is a rich sweet liqueur, crafted from Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The ingredients of this unforgettable creamy treat include corn, rye, malt, and natural cream. Add some to your coffee for a real pick-me-up regardless of the time of day. Moreover, mix it with some root beer and you’re well on your path for an adult root beer float.
Tasting Notes, Review, Awards:
As for the flavor profile, the nose on this one contains cinnamon and nutmeg, with undertones of vanilla. The back end is warm and smooth mellow finish. It received a Double Gold Medal at the 2018 SIP Awards in Newport Beach, CA.
Proof & ABV:
Bourbon Cream is a liqueur but certainly contains alcohol. It is rated at 12.5% ABV, or 25 proof.
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof
The Ezra 99 (proof) variety is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is charcoal filtered. Charcoal filtering is somewhat of an unusual practice in Kentucky. With the elevated proof on this offering, it can stand on its own in cocktails that require the strength of higher proof bourbons to shine through.
Tasting Notes, Review, Awards:
The palate on this expression adds hints of caramel and vanilla with spice as well. The finish is smooth and drinkable, especially at the $25-range price point. With comparisons against Evan Williams, Jim Beam and Wild Turkey, this bourbon is considered a value buy. It is one of the higher proofs in this price range. Nonetheless, after its January 2021 release it has been flying off of the shelves.
Proof & ABV:
You guessed it, Ezra Brooks 99 is rated at 99 proof, or 45% ABV.
Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey
This is a genuine straight rye whiskey, utilizing the obvious spice characteristics of rye ingredients alongside the barley grain.
Tasting Notes, Review, Awards:
It captured a couple of Gold Medals in 2017 at both the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Global Masters Spirits Competition. You pick up the anticipated spicy grains on its nose, in addition to hints of chocolate, leather and vanilla. The palate goes slightly sweet with a warm spicy finish.
Proof & ABV:
The Straight Rye Whiskey expression is bottled at 90 proof, or 45% ABV.
Ezra Brooks Old Ezra Barrel Strength 7 Year
Ezra Brooks 7 Year, otherwise known as Old Ezra Barrel Strength, is a full proof expression. Corn, rye, and barley makeup the mash bill which then achieve its 7-year age statement. This is the only age statement currently in the EB lineup.
Tasting Notes, Review, Awards:
Old Ezra landed in the Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2019, where it placed 7th with a 94 point rating. The nose on this bourbon contains aromas of vanilla and cinnamon. The palate has sweet floral notes with a warm and buttery finish.
Proof & ABV:
This barrel strength expression is bottled at a much higher 117 proof, or 58.5% ABV.
Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon 90 Proof
The mash bill on this Kentucky Straight Bourbon expression contains corn, rye and barley and it is charcoal filtered for a mellow flavor.
Tasting Notes, Review, Awards:
Double Gold Medal -The accolades for this variety include a Platinum Medal at the 2018 SIP Awards and a Double Gold Medal in 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The nose is filled with caramel and vanilla aroma, with the palate featuring some spice with a hint of chocolate.
Proof & ABV:
After charcoal filtering, it is bottled as a 90 proof spirit, which is equal to 45% ABV.
Ezra Brooks Blended Whiskey 80 Proof
The Blended Whiskey is a genuine Kentucky Sour Mash recipe which features a corn, rye and barley mash bill.
Tasting Notes, Review, Awards:
This is the most bottom shelf offering in the lineup. Overall, it is a lighter product and not technically bourbon.
Proof & ABV:
Blended Whiskey is rated with an 80 proofing, or 40% ABV.
SEE ALSO: MGP Buys Luxco for $475M, Including Bardstown Distillery
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